If there's one thing I'm good at, it's making simple things complicated. Get through elementary school, get through high school, make it into college, right? I just can't ignore my heart which is screaming (loudly) "Taylor Elchert Photography" while my mind is quietly nudging towards Xavier. I want the experience and the opportunities that college brings, but then, I can only wonder where my business could have taken me. I want to continue a career involving my passion, but then, I can only wonder what other talents and passions I could have found in college. 
It's not so simple, but it helps to know that I have a family constantly supporting me... and that God is two steps ahead of me. Always.
Thankfully, I have something that eases my mind (if even for a little while). And, that something is working on session sneak peeks! I hope you enjoy these shots of my adorable, sweet, and cheeky 6 month old cousin, Stella. I love this little miss SO MUCH, and trust me, I had a really difficult time choosing images for the sneak peek because all of them capture my heart. Enjoy <3
I suppose the truth is, I'll never be sure about the big life changing decisions (at least not nearly as sure I am about my love for cheesy potatoes and negative space). But that's the excitement in the ride, right? And if I do happen to fall off (which I'm sure I will), I can always brush myself off, and climb right back on.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I haven't been to Paris, but I have seen beauty. I've never seen a clown or a comedian, but I have witnessed a belly laugh. I'm guilty of quite a few, myself. I've never met Cupid, but I have seen true love and I know how it feels. And no, I haven't actually seen Santa Claus, but I've witnessed magic. I have never seen the Great Pyramid of Giza, but I have experienced wonder in a child's eyes. I'm no philosopher, but I know it's the small moments, the everyday moments, that have the most significance. They are also the things you are likely to overlook. I did not witness God's seven days of creation, but I can recognize a miracle when I see one.

To all of my clients, this is a prime example of a Lifestyle Session. I captured her entire bath time ("spa time" afterwards included)- Just something to think about when you schedule your next session with me. I love capturing those fleeting everyday moments and I know you will love looking back at them.
Anyway, I promise that things are starting to get back to normal around here. I feel like I haven't posted a sneak peek in decades, because I just have so much going on. It's strange because after this past week, all I have wanted to do is write. I just couldn't find the time. In any case, I want to thank all of you for the wonderful feedback I received regarding my video. I am so blessed.
Stay tuned because my Valentine's Day Special will be revealed tomorrow!
 Much love and have a wonderful Sunday! <3<3<3
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I have truly loved photographing Zoey through her first year. It's so hard to believe that her newborn session was a whole year ago! Time sure does fly and I'm sure her mom&dad agree with me on that. Anyway, happy birthday sweet pea!
Above- my favorite storyboard OF ALL TIME! Her expressions are just priceless. Note to self: print for studio!
Below- I love this photo so much because she looks so much like my little sister did as a baby  (I think so at least).
I found this adorable idea on pinterest and I couldn't wait to try it myself!
She's pretty cute, right? I think so!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I recently had the pleasure of photographing the youngest Beaston! The last time I photographed this little miss, she was just a newborn. It is quite amazing seeing little ones hit their milestones. Although, Kamryn has such long hair- I would never guess that she is only 6 months old. She looks more like a 1 year old to me! However, I would guess that she is Lexi's little sis. Photogenic genes DEFINITELY run in this family. Kamryn thought the camera shutter was the funniest and most intriguing sound ever. I wish all little ones thought so!
Ahh, this has been a stressful week (and it's only Wednesday...). I've been up past obscene hours every night this week finalizing Christmas card orders and sessions and weddings and exam reviews, only to climb into bed counting the things I need to finish the next day, while feeling extremely unaccomplished.  How is it that a person can wake up at 6, go to school till 2:45, work from 3pm-1am (whether that means missing dinner or not), and still feel unaccomplished? It's bad.  I know it's bad.  When people start becoming just "people" to me- that's how I know it's bad. When I feel like I haven't really had a real conversation with my boyfriend, or best friend, or sister in days... probably because I haven't. That's how I know it's bad.
But...
Thank goodness for my mom, who stayed up with me last night helping me fix the "baked goods plate" that all NHS member must do while I mourned over the loss (no exaggeration) of my failed red velvet cake balls, and then, convincing me that the mismatched chocolate plate was really pretty and yummy looking (even though deep down, I knew it wasn't, but I believed her anyway). She knows how to cure my obsessive perfectionism-even when I am in tears-possibly because she's a perfectionist herself.
Thank goodness for my brother, who gave me the one of the best pieces of advice I've heard : "Just chill out for two seconds."
Thank goodness for my dad for reminding simply that life goes on.
And THANK GOODNESS for my blog for being here for me to vent to. Whether anyone reads my long rants, or not. And I seriously give you credit if you stuck it out through the whole thing!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I finally did it. I finally made my Facebook page into an "official" business page. Although I should be happy, I am feeling a little like I've just been broken up with. You see, the only reason why I wanted to change it into a true page so badly was because I wanted to be able to change my profile name to "Taylor Elchert Photography". Unfortunately, Facebook does not allow you to do that if you have over 100 likes. I have 823, so I missed the mark by a little. I'm pretty sad about it because since I made the new page, I lost all of the photos I previously had. It's also strange because I can no longer have private messages with clients. At least I don't think I can... I'm still figuring this out. If anyone has any tips on the whole "page" thing, PLEASE fill me in. I'll get the hang of it eventually.
Even though I am feeling blue, looking at these photos of Laila Rose cheer me up instantly. Laura might just kill me for posting this one below since Laila's hair is a mess. I, however, LOVE it. Note to self: save for "happy" project! ;)
There is a link to my Facebook page at the top of my website. Hmm, it will take a little getting used to, but that's with all new things!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I am seriously starting to feel the hustle and bustle of the season... I had 4 sessions this weekend: 2 with adorable newborns, and 2 with a couple of my favorite redheads. I will be working my butt off this week to get cards ordered! Anyway, here is a recap of my weekend!
Friday, a cute little man named Gage came to the studio. He may look familiar because I've photographed him twice before! He is way too much fun to take photos of- such a ham!
Saturday began with a Christmas party with my boyfriend's family. You can't go wrong with good food and good company! I left a little early to get up to Sandusky to photograph this sweet little guy named Austin. He was a joy to work with, and his parents were as well!
Sunday, a sweet little miss came to my studio. Baby Norah is a photographer's dream with her thick dark hair, and gorgeous creamy skin...
Later on Sunday, I went out to miss Laila's house. We had a ton of fun playing and eating cookies. More of my sweet red-headed cousin will be up tomorrow (Sure, I'll admit it. I'm a little partial). :)
I am so in love with the one above of Laila Rose. She is getting so big so fast. Time, please slow down!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
Once again, I am behind on posting sneak peeks. Whenever Jamie comes to me asking when I'm going to post again, I know that it's been too long. This past week has been crazy! On Wednesday night, I went to my first concert. On Thursday night, I went to the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn. If theres anything I learned from getting no more than 8 hours of sleep within 48 hours, it's that I will never do it again... and that if I'm tired enough, I can fall asleep in the strangest places...
Anyway, this week, I am looking forward to tons of family fun, a bit of homework, shopping, working on my latest project, revamping my studio, Thanksgiving dinner, the benefit, baking, AND Christmas mini sessions!
Speaking of Christmas, I recently did a session with my sweet little cousin, Stella. I can't believe how big she has gotten. These little faces are EXACTLY what I would imagine her reaction to be of her first Elchert Family Christmas....
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to mark your calendars for this Saturday, NOVEMBER 26th! Come out to the Tiffin Moose and help us raise some money! All proceeds go to the memorial scholarship fund for Casey Elchert given at both Calvert and Columbian every year AND also to the juvenile Diabetes foundation, in memory of Marisa Paulus. It's ONLY $5 to get in, and that includes FREE PIZZA donated by the one and only Fort Ball Pizza Palace! ALSO, live music featuring Allie and the Rockers and Guests! There will also be a LIVE auction with awesome gifts donated by area businesses! Doors open at 5:30, music starts at 7pm. I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
Things I am loving this Tuesday:
1. My big kitty, Bentley, was my model yesterday as I played with my new lens. Not only is he gorgeous, but he is such a sweetheart. I'm glad I got this shot yesterday because today he got his whiskers caught in Allie's watch and now they are all bent up. Either way, I love my new lens and of course I love my kitty!
 2. My Epiphanie camera bag rocks. I can't even express how much I am in love with it. It even comes with a special pocket for my iPad, which I don't own yet... but someday I swear that I will;) Photos of myself with my beloved bag are soon to follow, but here is the shot from the Epiphanie website! It looks a little small in the shot but it fits my camera, all of my lenses, and I still have room for a water bottle, my keys, and my phone (and of course my future iPad).
3. Pumpkin Cupcakes have been my snack for the weekend! They were delicious and very easy to make.  Sadly, yesterday, my dog jumped on the table and ate every one. Including the paper.
4. Pinterest has been distracting me from getting stuff done. Ah, but I love it anyway.
5. Hello Kitty and Tinkerbell have always been favorites of mine and my sweet little cousin, Jayci, loves them too! I loved seeing her yesterday, but I simply can't believe how big she is getting. I swear I was just rushing off the to hospital to meet her and take her photos when she was just hours old. Nevertheless, she is a doll, her hair is just to die for, and she is, without a doubt, the cutest tink I've ever seen! 
This story board below just kills me. It shows so perfectly how Jayci runs nowadays: little arms fluttering and chubby legs hurdling. 
It's memories like this, that I want to preserve for parents. 
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I've been stressed. To be frank, my job is just adding pounds to that stress. That's why I am so thankful that my most recent sessions have been with wonderful people. People that made that stress disappear for a moment, and whose photos will always make me smile. 
#1- Sammi
Sammi is my best friend. She is beautiful from the inside out. She has been there for me through thick and thin, and I love her so much!
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#3- The Borich Fam
I babysat for this family about a year ago, and that is why I couldn't wait to see how much they have grown! They are such sweet kids with such sweet parents which equaled a super sweet session. 
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#3- The Silardi Fam
Do you remember Emyrson Rose? My little state winner? Well, would you believe me if I told you that this is her? Because it is. Ohhhh my, when Sara pulled Emyrson out of the car seat to come into the studio, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
Time flies. That's why I couldn't wait to do this shot with Emyrson's onesies. 
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#4- Jack and Family
Tracy (Jack's momma) and I had to reschedule their session about 3 times due to the weather! When the day was finally perfect, I just couldn't wait to meet with this family. I had no idea that Jack would be such a ham and that their mini session would only last about 15 minutes (going down in my record book!). Jack had us all laughing with his model behavior. Why can't all 4-year olds be like him? ;)
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With everything going on in my life right now, it's hard for me to keep up on the sneak peeks! I will continue to do my best, but please be patient!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
There's no time to stress about the many photos that I'm behind on. No time to worry about college choices. There's not enough time to agonize over the issues with my school schedule. Time shouldn't be wasted feeling the heartache over "what-if's" involving the future. I don't have time to freak out about my ACT coming up... because it is my last chance. There's no time time to be concerned about my overbooked calendar.
Everything will eventually fall into place, just as it should. In the meantime, life is way too short to feel the stress, the worry, and the heartache.
Here's a sweet little miss, named Nya, that I had the pleasure of photographing last week. Have you ever seen a two year old that can model like this?! This girl has a bright future ahead of her- I am sure of it!
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I couldn't leave sweet Jayci out, whose hair is getting so thick and curly!
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And here is one of the sistas together. I <3 them!
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor